Russian aid convoy 'provocative'

Britain has accused Moscow of "provocative acts" after Russian lorries said to contain humanitarian aid entered Ukraine without permission.

More than 100 vehicles have made their way into rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine without approval from Kiev or involvement of the international committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Ukraine has said the move amounts to a "direct invasion" and there has been widespread international condemnation of the " further violation of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia".

Russian president Vladimir Putin said the vehicles, reported to be carrying food, water, generators and sleeping bags, went in after " clear procrastination by Ukraine".

Europe minister David Lidington warned Russia that it risks "further damaging consequences" if it continues to escalate tensions.

Mr Lidington said: "I am deeply concerned that this Russian convoy has entered Ukrainian territory without the consent of the Ukrainian government. This is a provocative act that violates previous understandings that the government of Ukraine should consent to the convoy entering Ukrainian territory, with the ICRC ensuring that the convoy meets genuine humanitarian needs.

"The UK fully supports efforts to get aid to those in eastern Ukraine - indeed we are making an additional £1m available to support the international aid effort. But this needs to be done in the proper way with Red Cross involvement and in support of Ukraine's own humanitarian efforts.

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"The UK strongly urges Russia to avoid any and all provocative acts, which will only serve to increase instability in the region and lead to further damaging consequences for Russia's relationship with Europe.

"Instead, the Russians must make every effort to find a political solution to the crisis by engaging with the Ukrainian government and the intensive diplomacy aimed at a peaceful resolution to a dangerous and tense situation in Eastern Ukraine and at the Russia-Ukraine border."

Well done, Mr Putin. Humanitarian aid to those in need, who Ukraine and the West are happy to leave to starve or be killed. And it's nowhere near as 'provocative' as bombing Libya 'in order to protect civilians'. Or invading Iraq because of mythical 'weapons of mass destruction'. Or turning a blind eye to the mass murder of women and children in Gaza.

Well done, Mr Putin. Humanitarian aid to those in need, who Ukraine and the West are happy to leave to starve or be killed.
And it's nowhere near as 'provocative' as bombing Libya 'in order to protect civilians'. Or invading Iraq because of mythical 'weapons of mass destruction'. Or turning a blind eye to the mass murder of women and children in Gaza.behonest

Well done, Mr Putin. Humanitarian aid to those in need, who Ukraine and the West are happy to leave to starve or be killed. And it's nowhere near as 'provocative' as bombing Libya 'in order to protect civilians'. Or invading Iraq because of mythical 'weapons of mass destruction'. Or turning a blind eye to the mass murder of women and children in Gaza.

Score: -1

varteg1 says...9:37pm Fri 22 Aug 14

And just who is Russia 'provoking? A regime that has all the hallmarks of being almost a fascist one? Look at the state of Syria today, a ruined nation all because we tolerated the 'provocation' by maniacal bunch of murdering thugs who have gone on to invade surrounding areas, killing rapiong and looting as they've advanced. Not to forget the training they are giving to many from this nation, which provides the potential for killers to be running freestyle here should they ever return.. I think what is happening in Ukraine is a matter for Ukraine and Russia to sort out, those are two nations developed enough to some to some sort of rational understanding, our priority should be sorting out the middle east, where two diametrically opposed civilisations are facing off That is far more important to us, than two almost identical neighbours having a spat.

And just who is Russia 'provoking? A regime that has all the hallmarks of being almost a fascist one?
Look at the state of Syria today, a ruined nation all because we tolerated the 'provocation' by maniacal bunch of murdering thugs who have gone on to invade surrounding areas, killing rapiong and looting as they've advanced.
Not to forget the training they are giving to many from this nation, which provides the potential for killers to be running freestyle here should they ever return..
I think what is happening in Ukraine is a matter for Ukraine and Russia to sort out, those are two nations developed enough to some to some sort of rational understanding, our priority should be sorting out the middle east, where two diametrically opposed civilisations are facing off
That is far more important to us, than two almost identical neighbours having a spat.varteg1

And just who is Russia 'provoking? A regime that has all the hallmarks of being almost a fascist one? Look at the state of Syria today, a ruined nation all because we tolerated the 'provocation' by maniacal bunch of murdering thugs who have gone on to invade surrounding areas, killing rapiong and looting as they've advanced. Not to forget the training they are giving to many from this nation, which provides the potential for killers to be running freestyle here should they ever return.. I think what is happening in Ukraine is a matter for Ukraine and Russia to sort out, those are two nations developed enough to some to some sort of rational understanding, our priority should be sorting out the middle east, where two diametrically opposed civilisations are facing off That is far more important to us, than two almost identical neighbours having a spat.

Score: -1

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